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¹ Anyone who is a slave should give full respect for their master. Not because of who the master is, but because of who they are. That way, God's ways are never questioned in any situation. ² Even if a slave is a believer and so is his master, that doesn't mean the slave shouldn't obey like he should. A believing slave should obey a believing master better than any other slave does.

Wannabe Cowboys and Money Hungry Horse Traders

I'm telling you these things because I want you to teach others what you've learned. ³ If anyone hears your teachings about Jesus Christ and decides to teach something different, ⁴ they are not real cowboys and know nothing. These are wannabe cowboys who are only after looking good and being admired. They'll argue with people and cause all sorts of problems like jealousy, division, and gossip, and everyone will start double-crossing everyone else. ⁵ These people are trouble makers. They have been corrupted and would trade a lame horse off as kid's horse just to turn a profit.

⁶ But those who ride with a pure heart and contentment are the real ones who will prosper. ⁷ We'll leave this world with the same amount of things we brought into the world. ⁸ If you have food in your belly and a shirt on your back, then you should be content. ⁹ Those who only want to get rich will fall into temptation and end up hung up in the stirrup of destruction. And they'll take as many people out with them as they can. ¹⁰ The love of money has caused many a great cowboy to hit the ground and never get on again. They ride off from faith, not toward it. We'll find them drug to death, run through with mesquite thorns of their own grief.

One Last Thing

¹¹ But you're a cowboy of God. Whip and spur away from all types of sin. Instead, ride straight toward a life of right living and a godly life. Ride in faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. ¹² Be battle tested in the fight for the true faith. Tie hard and fast to the eternity God has promised all cowboys who ride for the brand. You accepted the challenge, now finish it, and finish it well. ¹³ I'm calling you out in front of everyone, and even before Jesus Christ, who offered Pontius Pilate the grace he didn't deserve, ¹⁴ that you ride like a real cowboy should in all situations, not just the easy trails. Then, no one will be able to find fault in anything you do. Stay this way until Jesus rides back over the hill to get us all. ¹⁵ The Boss is already saddled up and ready to come get us. He won't be a minute early or a minute too late. He's going to show up right when God, the Real Boss, High King, the Almighty God tells him to. ¹⁶ He's the only one who cannot see the noose placed around his neck. The light within him shines so bright that no mortal can even look at him, much less get close to him. Every honor and glory belongs to him and him alone. Amen.

¹⁷ If a cowboy is rich, tell him not to think of himself as superior to any other cowboy. Money can come and go like a leaf in the wind. Teach him to trust only in God, not the things of this world. God will, and does, provide everything of importance we need to enjoy life. ¹⁸ Rich folks should use their money to do good things. True riches come from doing good things, not having lots of money. Tell them to be generous to those without. ¹⁹ By doing these things, they will be making deposits in heaven. Their good deeds will be the foundation of their eternal lives. It's in eternity that their true life will be revealed.

²⁰ Timothy, protect the duty God has given you. Yes, people are going to argue with you and start fights, but don't fall for the bait. They may seem smart, but their wisdom is like mud stuck in a horse's hoof. ²¹ There are many who've wandered off the trail of life by behaving like fools.

Ride with God's grace, every one of you.